Single vs Dual Power Transformers


Fellow members

I have a question I hope you clarify. I've noticed some excellent stereo amplifiers and integrated amplifiers have a single transformer with dual windings for each channel (Hegel and others) and some have 2 separate transformers, one for each channel. (Gamut and others). Is there true benefit to having two separate power transformers given excellent design elsewhere? Can an amplifier be defined as truly dual mono without separate power transformers? I do realize that the totality of the design is the most important issue, but I would like to know the real benefits if any.
Thank you for your responses in advance.
audiobrian

Showing 2 responses by audiobrian

Thank you Atmasphere! If a single power transformer is used, are separate secondary windings for each channel used in all stereo amplifiers or is this configuration in the dual mono or partially dual mono camp? I'm just trying to understand why some manufacturers hype separate secondary windings as complete power supply separation for each channel, despite a solitary power transformer.
Thank you again, Atmasphere, for your complete and well explained answer. Given other considerations in design being well implemented, monoblock amplifiers and stereo units with dual power transformers should
lead to less IMD and possibly better sound. And yes, audition is a must, as "better" is quite variable amongst audiophiles.